# XXI: Jenny Lind explained — Struggles and Triumphs

> Chapter companion for Struggles and Triumphs by P. T. Barnum.

## What happens

Barnum recounts the challenges of managing Jenny Lind's tour, including a surprising attempt by her secretary to cancel the contract. He defends his own generosity and clarifies the true nature of Lind's character, acknowledging her human flaws while praising her charitable impulses. The chapter includes a dedication from Sol. Smith and reflects on the business and moral dimensions of the enterprise.

## Themes in this chapter

### Showmanship and Humbug

Barnum acknowledges the 'humbuggery' involved in the Jenny Lind concerts, including the strategic use of her charitable reputation.

### Philanthropy and Public Service

Barnum details his and Lind's charitable contributions, emphasizing the mutual benefit of public generosity.

### Public Perception and Reputation

The chapter explores the gap between Lind's public 'angelic' image and her human imperfections, and how Barnum managed that perception.

## Character check-ins

### P. T. Barnum

Narrator and manager; reflects on his management of Jenny Lind's tour, his financial risks, and his charitable contributions.

### Jenny Lind

The Swedish Nightingale; described as having a strong will and human weaknesses, but also simple, childlike, pure, and generous impulses.

### Le Grand Smith

Barnum's right-hand man during the Lind engagement; commented on keeping Jenny's 'angel' side with the public.

### Mr. James Gordon Bennett

Mentioned indirectly in the context of public perception; not directly involved in this chapter.

### Sol. Smith

Referred to as 'Uncle Sol.'; a comedian, author, and lawyer who provided legal and friendly advice to Barnum in St. Louis.

## Key lines

> You know, Mr. Barnum, if you would only tell, which of the two it was that was ‘forgetting,’ and which ‘forgiving’; and you also know who actually gave the larger portion of those sums which you heralded to the world as the sole gifts of the ‘divine Jenny.’

Sol. Smith hints that Barnum was the more generous party in the charity concerts, contrary to public perception.

_This quote from Sol. Smith's dedication challenges the narrative of Jenny Lind's sole generosity._

> I admit that I took her charities into account as part of my ‘stock in trade.’

Barnum confesses that he used Lind's charitable reputation as a business asset.

_Reveals Barnum's pragmatic approach to philanthropy as a marketing tool._

> I hired Miss Lind, and not she me.

Barnum asserts his control over the business arrangement, rejecting the secretary's proposal to reverse roles.

_Highlights Barnum's firm stance in negotiations and his understanding of the contract._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters/xxi-jenny-lind
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/struggles_and_triumphs_se/chapters